Isiah Whitlock Jr., a well-known actor recognized for his roles in the popular HBO series “The Wire” and “Veep” as well as in several films directed by Spike Lee, passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday. Whitlock’s manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed to The Associated Press that the actor succumbed to a brief illness in New York.
Whitlock portrayed the openly corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis in 25 episodes spanning across all five seasons of “The Wire.” His character Davis, who was beloved by fans, was famous for his profane catchphrase “sheee-it,” which Whitlock delivered with a mix of triumph and brutal honesty. The actor first introduced this phrase in his initial collaboration with Lee, the 2002 film “The 25th Hour,” where his detective character uncovers a stash of drugs hidden in a couch.
Director Spike Lee expressed deep sorrow over Whitlock’s passing, stating, “It’s a big, big, big loss. I’m going to miss him for the rest of my life.” Whitlock also appeared in four other films directed by Lee, fostering a strong bond over the years. Lee fondly recalled the time spent filming “Da 5 Bloods” in Thailand with Whitlock, emphasizing the actor’s warm and uplifting presence.
Known for his comedic talents both on and off the screen, Whitlock left a lasting impression on those he worked with. His humorous nature and ability to make people laugh were highly appreciated by his colleagues. Whitlock’s passing comes just weeks after the death of another prominent actor from “The Wire,” James Ransone.
A native of South Bend, Ind., Whitlock initially pursued a career in football before transitioning to theater studies at Southwest Minnesota State University. After minor television and film roles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Whitlock gained recognition for his performances in “The Wire” and later in “Veep,” where he portrayed Secretary of Defence George Maddox for three seasons.
Whitlock’s manager, Brian Liebman, took to social media to express his grief, describing the late actor as a “very dear friend” and praising him as a brilliant actor and an exceptional individual. Tributes also poured in from “The Wire” creator David Simon, who hailed Whitlock not only as a fine actor but as a remarkable spirit and a true gentleman.